Task for a Solomon

Published: January 25, 2002

To the Editor:

Re ''Putting a Value on Lives'' (editorial, Jan. 24):

Thank you for restoring some sanity to the debate about the federal Victim Compensation Fund. You are right that Kenneth R. Feinberg, the special master, ''seems to have made serious efforts to be fair, open-minded and flexible'' and that the preliminary regulations ''do not deserve the broad condemnation they have received.''

It has saddened me to see how the national unity that inspired the world after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is being displaced by accusations and self-serving political rhetoric.

Kenneth Feinberg deserves credit and gratitude for his compassionate and unbiased approach to a thankless but critical job.